Rob and I have bought a small plot in Mid Wales near where we live and the plan is to build a 4-bed energy efficient house. It is going to drive us insane! In the meantime, as a university researcher and trainee archivist I'm going to explore some of the records out there on and effecting self-builds. Wish us luck…

Sunday, 7 April 2013

Well, we've been in for a few weeks but after the days of packing, days of moving, weeks of unpacking, parental illness, residential Welsh courses, job interviews, endless still-to-do lists and a strange feeling of shock, we sort of feel in now and the guests are booking in!

It has rained about twice - feebly at that - in 4 weeks which must be a sign of some sort and we've been treated to some great sunsets...the ground is frozen solid so we have to wait for a garden but the view helps.

The final air test pleased everyone - at .365 and we're able to monitor what is happening inside the house. The clear weather means we're generating a good amount of electricity for March/April so I'm learning to put machines on during the day...not always good at remembering that!

Best of all is the warmth...so much so I have to remind myself to put on double what I think I need to go outside. And the animals finally have some space to move around without being on top of each other. My lovely flat has been painted and sanded and scrubbed and is let to a very nice couple...and we can just see it from here! And the caravan is in great hands waiting to have a log burner installed last I heard...

I'm just looking forward to a summer (and, hopefully, continued sun but that might be too much to ask for) here in our home at last with room for people to come from far and wide to stay.

Monday, 11 February 2013

But I've scrambled together a few photos off Rob's computer and he is taking more today - we spent the weekend scraping and sopping up the plaster that had been dropped on the concrete (see pics of plasterers below!) so that John could come today to polish it...then Lawrence comes Wednesday to jet wash it then we seal it Thursday. It isn't exactly clean but then, we're not that fussy.

So, more up to date pics to come but here is a hint of what has been happening in Cae Bach.

We've got stairs so no more ladders:

Landing:

We've driven builders potty with our doors - each one a different size, bent and in need of work to get door knobs in - but they do look great. Can't change them now anyway, as each frame is clearly different:

Kitchen a few days ago - it now has fridge, sink and tap, and the shelf you can see on the side is up but need new photos. We're painting it a blue we've yet to finally pick:

Inside the study, shelves and desk. I've ordered a double decker sofa/day bed from Loaf and it has millimetres to spare so I'm hoping they are as good as their word and put it up for me!

The weatherboarding is almost finished now but this was when the glass porch out the back was installed. Rob wishes he'd had it on more of an angle but it is looking like it'll be a good spot to be outside and out of the rain...especially for cats:

Wednesday, 2 January 2013

I know - it has been ages but there has been some redundancy business and a Christmas and a boozy new year to get through...and a lots been happening.

The plasterers came with their amazing stilts...

The first coat of paint was sprayed...

Here's a little tour, starting with the studio:

Studio from the utility:

Utility - this has the heating controls, water tank, electrics, a drying cupboard and sink:

Front door and hall - some boot storage and a dog gate to come:

Kitchen (left), living room (right):

Little bathroom downstairs and bedroom door on the left:

Office window - desk to come in front of the window:

TV/little spare bedroom. Just bought a sofabed!

Our bedroom...

Our bathroom...turning into my favourite room!

It all begins again tomorrow - warmcel coming to insulate the walls (hoping they are not soaked through after this Christmas) and then we're meeting men about concrete floors while Colin the builder gets on with the garage, finishing the roof and then some cladding.